Supreme Court Wipes Out Record Labels' $1B Piracy Judgment Against Cox
6 hours ago
- #ISP Liability
- #Copyright Infringement
- #Supreme Court
- A Virginia jury initially ordered Cox to pay $1 billion for not acting against pirating subscribers, sparking industry-wide concerns.
- The Supreme Court reversed the decision, ruling 7-2 that Cox is not liable for subscribers' piracy, as intent to aid infringement was not proven.
- Justice Thomas emphasized that merely providing internet service, knowing some may misuse it, does not constitute contributory copyright infringement.
- Justice Sotomayor concurred but criticized the majority's reasoning, highlighting the impracticality of identifying specific infringers from IP addresses alone.
- The ruling raises questions about the future effectiveness of the DMCA's 'safe harbor' provisions, with Sotomayor warning it may render them obsolete.
- The decision removes a key legal tool for rightsholders to pressure ISPs but provides clarity for ISPs on handling copyright infringement notices.